Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has raised concerns that Australia may not receive nuclear-powered submarines from the US under the AUKUS agreement, warning of potential serious consequences for national defense. The former leader, now a vocal critic of the current government’s handling of the deal, has expressed doubts about the reliability of the US commitment to deliver the advanced submarines.
Turnbull is set to appear before an inquiry into the AUKUS agreement, where he will argue that the absence of submarines would represent “the most serious failure of Australian defence planning in modern history.” His remarks highlight growing tensions over the timeline and certainty of the submarine deliveries, which are seen as critical for Australia’s maritime security.
The concerns come amid ongoing discussions about the strategic implications of the AUKUS pact, which includes the sharing of nuclear technology and defense capabilities. While the agreement was hailed as a major shift in Australia’s defense policy, Turnbull’s warnings underscore the risks of relying on foreign commitments without clear guarantees. (smh.com.au)
